Persisters Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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persisters

[pəˈsɪstərz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in psychology

People who continue to engage in a behavior or activity despite experiencing negative consequences or lack of progress.

Synonyms

perseverer, resolute individual, tenacious person.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
persisters	Used to describe people who continue to do something despite difficulties or opposition, often in a more general sense. Even in the face of adversity, persisters never give up on their dreams The team of persisters worked late into the night to meet the deadline
perseverer	Generally used when emphasizing the act of continued effort to achieve something, especially when it is hard. She is a real perseverer, always pushing through challenges to reach her goals The student's success is a testament to him being a perseverer
resolute individual	Used to describe someone who is determined and unwavering in their decisions or beliefs. He is a resolute individual who stays committed to his principles no matter the pressure Everyone appreciated the resolute individual who led them with confidence during the crisis
tenacious person	Often used to describe someone who holds on firmly and is not easily discouraged, typically in a positive light. She is known as a tenacious person in the business world, never giving up on a deal His tenacious personality helped him overcome countless obstacles

Examples of usage

The persisters in the study were those who kept working on the task even when it seemed impossible.
Her determination to succeed despite numerous setbacks marked her as a persister.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in biology

Organisms that can survive in harsh conditions or environments.

Synonyms

hardy creature, resilient organism, survivor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
persisters	Used to describe entities, often microorganisms, that survive extreme conditions or treatments that typically kill others. Common in scientific and medical contexts. Researchers are studying how bacterial persisters can survive antibiotic treatments. Cancer persisters pose a significant challenge in treatment resistance.
survivor	Describes a person or organism that continues to live or exist despite difficult conditions, often used in both serious and casual conversations. After the accident, she proved to be a true survivor. Cockroaches are known survivors, able to withstand harsh conditions.
resilient organism	Used to highlight the ability of living things to withstand and recover from challenging conditions. Commonly used in biology and environmental science. The resilient organism managed to adapt to the polluted environment. Scientists are fascinated by the resilient organisms that live in extreme geothermic vents.
hardy creature	Used to describe animals or plants that thrive in tough environments. Frequently used in everyday language, sometimes with a tone of admiration or surprise. The cactus is a hardy creature, able to survive in the driest deserts. You have to be a hardy creature to live in the Arctic.

Examples of usage

The desert plant was a true persister, able to thrive in extreme heat and drought.
Certain bacteria are known as persisters because they can withstand antibiotics.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Studies in psychology show that those who persist tend to develop stronger resilience over time, helping them face future challenges.
Growth mindset, a concept popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck, emphasizes that believing in one's ability to improve makes persisting through difficulties more likely.
Research indicates that individuals who embrace failure as a learning opportunity are more likely to be considered 'persisters'.

Education

In educational settings, students who persist in the face of academic challenges often achieve higher levels of mastery.
Programs that teach perseverance, such as character education, can significantly improve students' persistence in their studies.
The concept of grit, introduced by psychologist Angela Duckworth, highlights the importance of passion and perseverance for long-term goals.

Cultural Influences

Many folk tales and legends highlight the theme of persistence, such as the story of the tortoise and the hare, where slow and steady wins the race!
Cultural narratives often celebrate 'persisters' as heroes who overcome adversity, inspiring generations to never give up.
Songs and movies often portray characters who persist through difficulties, reinforcing the cultural admiration for resilience.

Health and Well-being

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle often requires persistence, such as sticking to a diet or workout routine despite temptations.
Mental health professionals stress the importance of persistence in therapy, encouraging individuals to continue working on their goals.
Mindfulness and meditation practices can enhance one's ability to persist through tough times by promoting mental clarity and focus.

Literature

Classic literature, such as novels featured in the coming-of-age genre, often revolves around a protagonist who learns the value of persistence.
Famous authors like Maya Angelou and Ernest Hemingway faced numerous rejections yet persisted, ultimately becoming celebrated figures in literature.
The theme of persistence is central in many literary works, symbolizing the struggle against societal or personal obstacles.

Origin of 'persisters'

The term 'persisters' originated in the field of psychology to describe individuals who exhibit a high level of perseverance and determination. Over time, the term has also been adopted in biology to refer to organisms with the ability to survive in challenging conditions. The concept of persisters highlights the importance of resilience and persistence in various aspects of life.